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Welcome to Malvern Museum

Malvern Museum of Local History is often likened to the Tardis ~ a lot of fascinating information is packed into a small space. Yet there is so much to do, see and hear that many visitors regret not making more time for their visit.

Where did these monks come from?

Children can dress up as Benedictine monks, pretend to be poor medieval peasant boys and girls or take on the role of a soldier or nurse from the Great War. Whole families are challenged to build a castle, guess what the scientist might be doing, or take part in our QR code trail. Dinosaurs, Victorian scenes, a Water Cure patient and an observation bee hive are just some of the experiences our visitors enjoy. Audio guides offer gentle, often amusing glimpses into our rich past.

Malvern Museum in the Priory Gatehouse

Priory Gatehouse from the south

The Priory Gatehouse was once the only entrance to the Benedictine monastery of Great Malvern. The present building dates from c1480 and was home to the porter who monitored the movement of people and goods in and out of the Priory estate. A small rectangular window called the Porter’s Squint can still be seen in the archway, in front of the huge hinged wooden gateposts.

After Henry VIII closed all the monasteries, only Malvern’s Priory Church and Gatehouse survived. Today the gatehouse is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II* Listed. It was given to Malvern Museum Society in 1980 and is undoubtedly the museum’s finest exhibit.

Malvern Museum is run entirely by volunteers and we are very proud of our helpful, cheerful stewards.

Access

The museum is housed in the ancient Gatehouse and the only way to explore upstairs is via a twisty staircase. Visitors who have restricted mobility are still able to experience the displays on the first floor however. A Power Point slideshow downstairs offers insights to the main exhibitions. Historical ‘eye witnesses’ on our audio guides give the low-down on Malvern’s history too. These are available free of charge. A ramp into the building is also available. Visitors with visual impairments can make use of large print room guides with colour overlays if necessary.

The museum is located in:

The Priory Gatehouse,

Abbey Road,

Great Malvern

WR14 3ES

This is at the top of town, between the Post Office and the Abbey Hotel, and just below Belle Vue Terrace. For a map, click here.

The museum is too small to be able to offer educational facilities or public storage areas, nor is there a public toilet available. The nearest public toilets are next to Malvern Festival Theatre in Grange Road, or half way down Edith Walk.

The Malvern Museum Society Limited is registered in England & Wales, no. 01418103. The Malvern Museum Society Ltd is a registered charity, no. 508766, and the museum is run entirely by volunteers.